Sewage Spill Closes Beaches in California

The spill volume was initially reported at 108,000 gallons by the department, but the Los Angeles Times reported it had increased to more than 1.5 million gallons as of July 19.

Jul 19, 2016

Beaches in Long Beach, Calif., have been closed because of a sewage spill in downtown Los Angeles after a pipe ruptured on July 18, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services confirms. The spill volume was initially reported at 108,000 gallons by the department, but the Los Angeles Times reported it had increased to more than 1.5 million gallons as of July 19.

The spill entered the L.A. River and required the closure of all coastal beaches in Long Beach, according to the department's news release.

The river terminates in Long Beach. City of Long Beach Acting Health Officer Dr. Mauro Torno issued the order to close all coastal beaches until Health Department lab tests indicate the water is safe for swimming.